The Toronto Blue Jays took to the almighty Bronx, New York to take on the New York Yankees in a three-game series for the first time this season. The birds came out strong in the big apple to secure an important April series win, and pitching was a strong contributing component.
Eyes were on this series throughout Major League Baseball as this is one of the heaviest American League East matchups for 2023. Toronto’s starting arms came through in fashion, keeping the dangerous Yankees bats somewhat silent and tamed. The Blue Jays offense battled hard, scoring 13 runs and translating that into two big wins in New York. The Jays took advantage of a Yankees pitching staff that is lacking some of their big arms such as Frankie Montas, Carlos Rodon, Jonathan Loàisiga, and go-to starter Luis Severino.
The Blue Jays deployed left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, right-hander Alek Manoah, and righty Kevin Gausman to the bump against the pinstripes.
Southpaw Yusei Kikuchi is turning the corner hard, showing a great deal of improvement and strong potential to secure and satisfy his spot in the rotation. Kikuchi held New York to one earned run on four hits over six innings pitched with three strikeouts and two walks. He showed great ability to command his fastball effectively while executing his off-speed in the appropriate counts and at-bats. Although Kikuchi showed eight first-pitch strikes over 22 batters faced, he forced nine ground balls, and four fly balls with 10 called strikes, 10 swinging strikes, and 17 in-play strikes. The lefty showed out well against an aggressive Yanks lineup.
Although the bullpen spilled the beans in game two, Alek Manoah took the bump with confidence and composure at Yankee Stadium. Manoah restrained the Yankee lineup over seven innings, allowing only two hits, one walk, and five strikeouts with no runs allowed. Manoah had a 67% strike rate while forcing nine ground balls, eight flyouts, 11 first-pitch strikes, and 18 strikes in play. His composure was evident along with a better repeated delivery and better use of his lower half followed by a strong finish. Alek Manoah went up against his rival counterpart Gerrit Cole, who displayed similar numbers and brewed quite the pitcher’s duel. Unfortunately, the Yankees went on to take the dub, Manoah slotted with the no decision.
The Blue Jays right-handed money man Kevin Gausman started the rubber match in an afternoon game in New York City. Gausman was stellar, finishing at 103 pitches through seven strong shutout innings. He allowed three hits, no runs, and sat 11 Yankee hitters. New York went scoreless up until the 9th inning when Anthony Rizzo went deep to right field off of Adam Cimber.
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitchers totaled 20 innings with 1 earned run, 19 strikeouts, and 3 walks. Overall, a solid and promising weekend for the Blue Jays rotation while getting a series win against the division rivals. The Jays prepare for a homestand starting Monday in Toronto.
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